INTERVIEW with Michael Kiernan: MusiBiz, LiveMicsWorld and The Simon Gigs Founder + Independent Music Advocate
Michael Kiernan is a passionate advocate for independent musicians in Ireland, renowned for his entrepreneurial initiatives that have continuously aimed at promoting and supporting local artists. With a background in the pub and live music scene since the age of 15, Michael has gained first-hand experience of the challenges faced by emerging talents, always striving to provide new avenues for success.
In 2013, Michael launched Livemicsworld, a platform designed to offer Irish artists a chance to showcase their music both domestically and internationally. The platform allowed musicians to create profiles, upload their music, and perform live, with standout acts receiving further opportunities, such as recordings at the prestigious Grouse Lodge Recordings. This initiative was just the beginning of Michael's commitment to building a more accessible music scene for Irish artists.
Building on the success of Livemicsworld, Michael went on to found MusiBiz, an independent music network aimed at offering support, guidance, and resources to bands and solo artists. Through MusiBiz, Michael has played an active role in fostering connections within the music community, promoting new releases, and sharing valuable industry insights. His commitment to supporting independent musicians is evident through his ongoing engagement on social media platforms, where he continues to offer valuable advice and resources to help artists navigate the often complex music industry. In line with his dedication, MusiBiz is free to submit to, ensuring that artists can access important opportunities without any hidden agenda—something that is often a concern in the industry.
A further step in Michael's mission to support Irish talent was his creation of The Simon Gigs—a series of annual fundraising events aimed at raising awareness and funds for homelessness in Ireland. Inspired by a visit to Dublin, where he was deeply moved by the sight of individuals sleeping on the streets, Michael decided to bring together independent artists to help raise funds for homeless organizations. These events, which have featured performances from numerous artists across the country, have benefited vital organizations such as the Galway Simon Community and the North West Simon Community.
Michael’s influence in the music scene also extended to television talent competitions, where he played a pivotal role in scouting potential artists. Although not directly involved in the production of The X Factor or Britain's Got Talent, Michael was asked by Ali Barker, a producer of these shows, to recommend artists he believed were suited for participation. This collaboration reflected Michael’s deep understanding of emerging talent and his longstanding connections within the music community.
In 2015, Michael expanded his efforts by opening his own music venue, which he operated until 2016. This venue was more than just a physical space for live performances—it was a platform for artists to come together, connect, and collaborate. The venue hosted numerous performances, including many of the Simon Gigs events, and became a meeting point for musicians from across Ireland and abroad. Michael’s vision was clear: to give artists a place where they could extend their reach to new, previously untapped audiences. By forging direct relationships with artists, the venue also allowed musicians to be invited to join each other's tours, further expanding their exposure and opportunities. Alongside the MusiBiz platform, the venue played a critical role in helping artists gain national and international touring opportunities, offering them a pathway to further their careers on a global scale.
As a prolific writer, Michael has also shared his industry expertise through numerous articles on music marketing and performance strategies. His blog, Reality Check for the Irish Artist, provides candid, practical advice for musicians looking to navigate the complex world of gig booking. In a notable excerpt from the blog, Michael writes, "Booking gigs in Ireland isn't easy, but it's far from impossible. With the right mindset, preparation, and effort, you can build a thriving career in the music industry." This mentality has driven Michael to continue providing artists with the tools they need to succeed.
Michael's dedication to the music industry is also reflected in his long-standing friendship with John Hartmann, a highly respected artist manager whose impressive roster has included legendary acts such as The Eagles, Joni Mitchell, and Sonny & Cher. Their relationship, which began in 2009, played a pivotal role in the recreation of The Holodigm Academy, a platform designed to mentor aspiring music professionals. Michael's motivation for the relaunch of The Holodigm Academy was to safeguard John’s legacy and ensure that his wealth of knowledge and experience was preserved for future generations. Though some of John’s insights may be dated, Michael recognized that the fundamentals of artist management remain timeless. His vision was to integrate this knowledge with the modern digital age, providing a full spectrum of guidance for artists navigating the 21st century.
Having played a central role in relaunching The Holodigm Academy, Michael later passed the torch to John, allowing him to lead the project going forward. This transition was part of Michael’s broader vision of supporting the long-term sustainability of music education and mentorship.
Throughout his career, Michael has proven to be much more than just a music industry advocate—he is an entrepreneur, a mentor, a writer, and a friend to artists. His dedication to Irish music and the independent music scene has provided countless musicians with the support and guidance they need to succeed. From MusiBiz to The Simon Gigs, from his music venue to his long-standing collaborations with John Hartmann, Michael Kiernan’s influence has helped shape the careers of Irish artists and fostered a more connected and accessible music industry for the future.
Can you tell us the story behind Musibiz - what was the core reason for launching the platform; the moment you thought, “Let’s do this”?
The idea for Musibiz began with a simple but powerful mission: to create a support network for independent artists. At the core, it was about giving artists a place to be seen, heard, and taken seriously in a music industry that often overlooks those without big backing.
From the beginning, featuring artists on the website was the main focus. Each artist was given an online press pack — a professional, ready-to-share page that they could use to promote themselves to venues, media, and industry contacts. Every time an artist shared their page, it helped drive traffic back to Musibiz, boosting the site’s visibility and, in turn, strengthening the entire network. It was a community-powered platform, built on artists taking charge of their own promotion.
To take that vision into the real world, I launched the Simon Gigs — a series of annual live events supporting the homeless. These gigs weren’t just for a good cause; they also gave independent artists the chance to perform, connect with others in the scene, and build real momentum. From there, the Musibar was born — a live music venue that served as a natural extension of the Musibiz ethos. It became a space for local and national acts to meet, perform, collaborate, and grow.
So between the website, the gigs, and the venue, Musibiz became something bigger — a grassroots movement for Irish music. A response to the displaced opportunities brought on by the digital era. A way to bring artists together, amplify their voices, and create something powerful from the ground up.
Between launching Musibiz and also Livemicsworld in 2013, do you feel that the Irish music industry has positively changed across these 10+ years, for independent artists?
Livemicsworld was actually the first platform I launched — a niche social network dedicated to supporting independent Irish artists. At the time, I saw a lot of passion and talent, but also a huge gap in how artists were setting themselves up. Many were still chasing the idea of getting signed, even though the industry had already begun shifting toward independence and self-management.
It quickly became clear: independent artists needed more than just exposure — they needed education, structure, and self-awareness. The traditional model of "get signed and let someone else handle everything" no longer applied. In the digital era, artists had to become their own managers, marketers, and community builders.
What stood out most was how many artists didn’t realize that fans are their most valuable asset, and that connecting with them on a deeper, more personal level mattered far more than blasting out posts on social media. The approach needed to shift — from chasing labels to building lasting relationships and a loyal audience. That’s what inspired the launch of Musibiz.
So, has the industry changed? Not enough — and not in the ways that truly count. Unfortunately, many artists are still caught between the old and new worlds, holding onto the hope of a record deal rather than embracing the power of independence. They’re looking for a shortcut, or for platforms like ours to be the solution, when in reality, we're just a tool. The real work still has to come from the artists themselves.
That said, things are starting to shift. More artists are beginning to see the bigger picture — that self-reliance is key, and that platforms like Musibiz are here to support, not save. It’s slow progress, but the awareness is growing, and that gives me hope.
How might your work with Musibiz and Livemicsworld influence your other projects, such as the annual The Simon Gigs events?
Looking back, many of the ideas I had through Musibiz and Livemicsworld were quite ahead of their time. I had a strong vision, and while there were some like-minded people who supported it — particularly during events like the Simon Gigs— for the most part, I was working alone.
Unfortunately, not everyone had genuine intentions. Over the years, I encountered individuals I came to call “the pretenders” — people who claimed to represent independent artists but were really using those artists to serve their own agendas. Many of them piggybacked off the goodwill and opportunities I was trying to create, and in doing so, they misled others with inflated promises and false hope. It was a tough lesson in discernment — seeing the good and bad that exists within the independent music space.
But those experiences also gave me clarity. Through Musibiz and Livemicsworld, I began to understand what truly mattered: building real connections, nurturing the fanbase, and reviving some of the old-school principles that had been lost in the digital noise — like community, mentorship, and thoughtful artist development.
That philosophy naturally spilled over into The Simon Gigs, which became more than just charity events. They were carefully curated showcases where I used my background in venue management to place each act strategically, considering their talent, genre, and energy. The idea was to create a progression of performance — building toward the strongest act of the night, not to overshadow, but to inspire. I wanted each artist to feel uplifted, never intimidated, and to leave with a sense of growth and motivation.
Right now, I’m in a bit of a pause phase — I’ve been down many rabbit holes, tried many things, and witnessed a lot of the transitional chaos as the industry shifts from the old model into something new. At this point, I’m open to being inspired by someone else’s initiative — something fresh and rooted in the right values. And if that happens, I’m happy to contribute, offer guidance, and support it with the experience I’ve gained along the way.
As a venue owner, writer, resource builder and advocate for the independent music industry, you’ve worn a lot of hats. What have been your greatest challenges?Without a doubt, my greatest challenge was trying to run a venue while staying true to the vision I originally had. It’s one thing to have a bold idea — to build something meaningful for independent artists — but it’s another to align that vision with the daily reality of running a business. The two don’t always walk hand in hand.
Trying to keep the lights on while also building a creative, community-driven space was the most difficult balancing act of my life. The idea behind the venue — just like with Musibiz — was to create a home for artists, a place of support and genuine opportunity. But turning that idea into a sustainable reality, ing.One of the biggest obstacles was resources. There was never enough funding or manpower to maintain the vision long enough for it to fully take root. Toward the end, things were finally starting to click — artists were showing up, the energy was growing — but by then, I was burnt out. The toll on my health was real, and I knew I had to step back.
Still, I have no regrets. I look back on that time with gratitude. I met so many incredible artists — each one with dreams, stories, and real passion. I was honoured to be trusted by many of them, some even asking me to manage them. But I was already stretched thin, doing the work of many with very little behind me.
If I had to do it all again, I would — but with more preparation, more support, and a more sustainable structure. The dream was bigger than I realized, and my Achilles' heel was trying to carry it all on my own.
What are your top 3 pieces of advice for an emerging band or artist that feels “stuck” at a certain point in their career?
That’s a big question — but an important one. Here are the three things I believe every artist needs to focus on if they’re serious about moving forward:
1. Get on the Same Page as a Band
If you're in a group, make sure everyone is equally committed and aligned with the same vision. Success only comes when every member gives 100% — not just in the music, but in the mindset, the goals, and the day-to-day effort. A band divided won’t get far.
2. Perfect Your Craft and Own the Stage
No matter what genre you're in, your live performance is where your real value shines. Work on your instrument, your voice, your presence — everything. When you step on stage, give it your all, every single time. Your live show is your best advertisement, and people remember energy, emotion, and excellence.
3. Treasure Your Fans and Build Real Relationships
This is the one most artists miss — and it's the most powerful. Your fans are everything. They’re your street team, your marketers, your believers. Don’t treat them like numbers on social media. Instead, create a private, personal fan space— an email list, a newsletter, something that allows direct communication.
Your true fans deserve something special: exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, early access, personal messages. Ten real fans who love what you do can spread the word further and faster than any paid ad. Focus on building those real connections, and you’ll build a foundation that lasts.The biggest mistake artists make is thinking the music alone is enough. It might open the door, but it’s your relationship with your audience that keeps it open.
How would you encourage independent bands and artists to pitch themselves to Musibiz?
After everything I’ve shared, it’s clear that Musibiz is currently on pause, but the platform is still here — and the invitation to be part of it remains simple.
Musibiz is designed to showcase emerging independent artists who want to reach a wider audience. Each artist gets their own page, which acts as a streamlined digital press pack — something I developed after years of managing a venue and receiving bulky, over-complicated submissions. I saw firsthand how most press packs were ignored — not because the artists weren’t talented, but because they weren’t presented in a way that respected the time of the people reviewing them.
The reality is: music professionals are busy. What they need is a short, punchy snapshot — a clean bio, a couple of standout tracks, and links to active socials. That’s it. Keep it simple, clear, and strong. That’s the approach Musibiz promotes, and that’s what your artist page should reflect.
I also created the Irish Indie Chart as an additional way to support artists — giving them visibility, credibility, and the chance to rank alongside official charts. It’s another tool to help get noticed, build an audience, and earn trust with new fans.
So if you’re an artist who’s serious, prepared, and ready to present yourself professionally — Musibiz is still here to support your journey. It’s not about flashy pitches; it’s about showing up with great music, a clear message, and the willingness to connect.
Do you have any Irish bands or artists that you’re really enjoying at the moment?
There are so many great Irish artists out there at the moment, but for the sake of staying true to what Musibiz is about, I’ll focus on those who’ve submitted to the site and are featured on the platform.
One artist I’ve supported for many years is Hazel Jade Rogers. I’ve been a fan of hers since she was a teenager. She was originally part of Elevation Falls, and now she’s taken things further by joining the UK-based band Balance of Power. Like many Irish artists, she’s struggled to get the exposure she truly deserves — so I’m hopeful this next chapter will give her that chance.
Another band that caught my attention recently is KÎND. They're incredibly talented and submitted some strong material. That said, I haven’t seen much follow-up or activity from them since, which is a shame because the potential is definitely there.
I also really admire The Enigma Division, Lloyd John (originally from Cork, now based in the UK), and aboutmemmofrom Galway, who is not only talented but also very hardworking — something that always stands out to me.
There’s an abundance of talent in Ireland, and I truly enjoy helping these artists by optimising their pages on Musibiz so more people can discover their music. Some of their songs are absolutely fantastic, and it’s a joy to play a small part in amplifying their voices.
Over the past decade, I’ve come across dozens of standout artists, many of whom have unfortunately moved on or stepped away from music. But every one of them contributed to the fabric of the independent scene, and I’m grateful to have witnessed their journeys.
What makes a good band/artist?
For me, it’s a combination of things — but it starts with undeniable talent. That’s the foundation. But talent alone isn’t enough.
A truly great band or artist also has to bring it live — with a strong performance, real stage presence, and the ability to connect with an audience in the moment. That’s where people remember you, and that’s where your reputation begins to grow.
But beyond the music, what really separates the good from the great is consistency — staying committed over time, evolving, and always showing up. It’s also about fan interaction. Not the shallow kind we often see on social media, but genuine, personal connection — treating your fans with respect, involving them in your journey, and giving them something real to hold on to.
And finally, it's about self-responsibility. As I’ve seen through my work with Musibiz and Livemicsworld, artists today need to understand their role beyond the stage. The ones who take the time to manage their careers, learn how the industry works, market themselves properly, and value every opportunity — those are the ones who go further.
So in my view, a good artist isn’t just talented — they’re present, prepared, professional, and passionate. When all of that comes together, you’re not just making music… you’re building something that lasts.
